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Not enough elbow-room to remove balljoints
https://slantsix.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=18028
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Author:  sixsignet [ Mon Jun 12, 2006 3:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Not enough elbow-room to remove balljoints

The longest breaker bar I can use in my carport is about 3 feet.
There's a concrete wall 2 feet from each side.
I have screw-in upper ball joints on a 63 valiant.
I don't have air-powered tools.

It appears I'll have to take the upper control arms off with the ball joints still tight in them, unless...

Would it be safe to have the upper ball joints loosened 1/2 turn at a shop and then drive home and take things apart?

Author:  xwaynestaticx03 [ Mon Jun 12, 2006 7:50 pm ]
Post subject: 

i wouldnt do it, those threads are MIGHTY thin in the control arm. youll have to bite the bullet and pull the hole arm out. itll be easier to change the ball joints in a vice then down on the ground anyways. obviously, youll have to have the car aligned since your camber and caster is going to be off when you reinstall the control arms. might as well do your control arm bushings too while you have the arm out if you havent already...

Author:  Reed [ Mon Jun 12, 2006 10:10 pm ]
Post subject: 

I don't understand, is it just a matter of not getting enough swing on the ratchet? Have you tried sitting on the ground and pushing with your legs? I have done that on rust bumper boplts, rear axle u-bolts, and other bolt in areas with low clearance.

Author:  GTS225 [ Tue Jun 13, 2006 3:06 am ]
Post subject: 

Borrow an air impact and portable tank from a buddy, or even rent one locally. You can then use that to at least get them broke loose. It might require a few trips to the comprssed air source, but.........

Roger

Author:  tophat [ Tue Jun 13, 2006 6:15 pm ]
Post subject: 

make sure all the gunk is cleaned off and soak with "PB Blaster" I know it
works. try to get all the crud off so it can soak in good, the longer the better!
if you have a "good"socket that will stand up to an air wrench, take your arms off and take them to the air with the socket. you should be able to go to a tire store and ask if someone can zip them out for you for a small fee. it should take 5 minutes TOPS with "shop air" and a good air gun.

good luck,
tophat

Author:  sixsignet [ Tue Jun 13, 2006 7:14 pm ]
Post subject: 

Quote:
make sure all the gunk is cleaned off and soak with "PB Blaster" I know it
works. try to get all the crud off so it can soak in good, the longer the better!
if you have a "good"socket that will stand up to an air wrench, take your arms off and take them to the air with the socket. you should be able to go to a tire store and ask if someone can zip them out for you for a small fee. it should take 5 minutes TOPS with "shop air" and a good air gun.

good luck,
tophat

Thanks.

I found a shop nearby that has the socket and seems confident they can do it.

I am planning to press out the bushings and have them press in the new ones when they do the balljoint.

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